After an extremely hot start, the Lions are in a bit of trouble. They still have control of the sixth playoff spot in the NFC, but Detroit has lost five of its last 7 games since beginning the season 5-0. They have played horrible defense over the last four games and have put themselves in extremely tough spots late in the game. For more in-depth analysis on what has gone wrong for the Lions as of late, here is what center Dominic Raiola told reporters after Sunday night’s loss to the Saints:

Sometimes the best analysis is given when a player steps back, takes a deep breath, and approaches reporters with a cool head. That’s obviously what Raiola did here, and that’s why his explanation for the Lions’ struggles was so helpful.

All joking aside, Raiola is a microcosm for a team that looked like one of the NFC’s best to start the year but has cooled off significantly. Losing Ndamukong Suh because of an undisciplined, bonehead mistake was not what this defense needed. Detroit needs to win three of its last four games, and with Minnesota, Oakland, San Deigo, and Green Bay remaining on the schedule that is not going to be easy. Maybe Raiola’s rant will help fire the team up. It’s officially gut check time, so the Lions need a spark from someone.